Tohoku electric power delays Onagawa nuclear plant safety upgrades

Tohoku Electric Power has revised the completion schedules for the Specialized Safety Facility (SSF) and the Onsite Permanent DC Power Supply System (Third system) at its Onagawa Nuclear Power Station Unit 2. The original deadline for both facilities was December 22, 2026.

The SSF completion is now postponed to August 2028, and the Onsite Permanent DC Power Supply System (Third system) to March 2028. Tohoku Electric Power submitted a notice of change to the Nuclear Regulation Authority, attributing the revision to external factors such as changes in the construction industry's labor environment. This is despite ongoing efforts like design optimization and around-the-clock work shifts to expedite completion.

The company affirmed this revision will not impact its business performance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. It will provide an updated business performance forecast for subsequent fiscal years once finalized. Both facilities require large-scale construction, with the SSF designed to prevent damage and suppress radioactive material release during terrorist attacks, and the DC power supply enhancing reliability by providing electricity for severe accident responses.